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4.19.2012

{Quad Squad} My Temporary Home

After talking with my doctor this morning, things are looking pretty good. I'll be 24 weeks on Saturday and my body seems to have adjusted to the magnesium sulfate IV I'm on enough that I'm not absolutely miserable around the clock. It still makes me feel sick, nausea and extremely fatigued—but I handle it for the sake of the babies, I told him. So we're keeping with the mag IV...for good. Most likely until I deliver the quads. I figured that bit of news was coming, so at least I'm prepared. But my doc is so careful that he's still putting me on a 48-hour round of Indocin starting tomorrow, which, if you recall from my posts last week, is also an anti-contraction medicine. For me, it proved extremely effective and very little side effects. Doing this routine every week should keep my uterus and my body calm and buy me several more weeks of time, at least that's the plan! It's daunting sometimes to wonder how much longer I have to feel this way and if I can really take it, but fortunately today is a better day than yesterday so I'm having a surge of positive thoughts. This whole experience is overwhelming on a constant basis, but at least some occasions it's easier to deal with than others.

In other complaints, I think this pregnancy is finally catching up with me physically. I know that sounds weird, but up until the last two weeks walking around, sitting down in chairs and picking things up off the floor or whatever didn't really pose a huge issue. Yes, I got tired faster than the norm but I was still able to function. Now, I struggle to get in and out of bed, I'm frequently out of breath from the smallest exertion, my back is beginning to hurt and there's a lot of uncomfortable, sometimes painful, pressure you know where. (What, like that's a surprise!?) I'm sure some of the exhaustion is due to the magnesium sulfate, since it relaxes smooth muscles and tends to make you feel like a wet piece of spaghetti, but I think these babes are taking their toll. I'm 40+ weeks in term of size and girth for my pregnancy, even though I'm barely 24. And one nurse estimated I have about 12 pounds of weight in my stomach between the babies, placentas, fluids, etc. I have had some cramping for the first time and slight pains in my stomach, but they aren't showing up on the contraction monitor, so we're assuming it's growing pains. Which makes sense, this is the time the babies really start zooming up the growth chart.

Recently, they moved me rooms just across the hall to a slightly larger space with two windows instead of one and a bit more free area for chairs, furniture, etc. It's nice to not be super crowded. My door has been quite the highlight with all the nurses! Thanks to our friend, Laura, who had that banner made for one of our shower's she and her husband hosted at their home back in February.

I really have a hard time accommodating visitors, even though I'd love to see everyone. There are nurses, techs, consultants and doctors in and out of my room around the clock and sometimes I lay on my bed in the quiet and rest between it all. Having visitors is a bit complicated and the mag IV I'm on doesn't make me the most eager for conversation. Needless to say, I appreciate all the thoughtful offers to come visit and hope folks will hold on to that idea for when the babies come home—we'll need extra hands to hold 'em! In the meantime, encouraging notes, flowers and tidbits truly light up my life here in the hospital. People are so nice!

Here's a view from one of my windows, partially looking out over the zoo. I've yet to spot animals.

This is what I look like most of the time (photo below). I put together a blog post when I feel okay and do a tad bit of work here and there to keep up. The rest of the time I rotate between my left side and my right, watching movies and keeping still. The husband put the TV on a rolling table so it can be switched from one side to the other for my film watching pleasure.

In closing, thanks to everyone for all your wonderfully encouraging blog comments and emails! I've met so many new people the past two weeks through my blog and I really appreciate y'all taking the time to drop a line and introduce yourself—including a couple new quad moms! Next up: a post on how we chose our quad babies' names and a 24 week photo and update...

Keeping you in my prayers- I know you have not met me, I am a friend of your Leah and "Aunt" Linda. I've been keeping up with your adventures vicariously through Linda's blog and wishing you all the best!

Exciting times! Thank you for sharing your experience with us!! I can recall being put simply on best rest for a few months with one of mine and I thought that was awful BUT in the hospital you are right, there is always someone in and out checking something!! Just know at the end of this wonderful "rest" you will have 4 little blessings that will make it all worth it!! Keep sharing, hopefully that keeps that mind off of it and centered in a peaceful place outside of pain and GOOD luck to you and your family:)!

I'm your newest follower- so hello! :) I rarely meet anyone who had a more difficult labor than me (48 hrs active, ended in a c-section). I was in the hospital for 5 days and it was rough. But as i read your blog, I realize my 5 day stay was nothing! Stay strong- soon you'll have your babies in your arms!

Hi, I'm a recent follower, too! I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you: for healthy, strong babies and for all the patience, grace and strength you need to grow your sweet babies one day at a time!

Hi AmberI have become a regular reader/poster of your blog and your Dear Mom blog. You are an amazing young woman, those babies will be sooo blessed to have you as their Mommy.Your room looks brighter, and bigger in the picture. Keep smiling:)

I stumbled across your blog, and am amazed by your bravery and strength. You are doing such a great job - bed rest cannot be easy. Every day they stay in there at this point is a huge accomplishment. Best of luck!

Been reading your blog for a few days now (found you from Suzanne's blog) and had to comment, hang in there! I have twins (only!) and can remember those mag days in the hospital too. You can do it!~Alissa

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